What is Hyperpigmentation and Different Dark Spots Removal Techniques

• 01 Hyperpigmentation and Melasma; how do they relate?
• 02 The main causes attribute to melasma
• 03 Products to combat Melasma–Skin Scrubbers and Dark Spots Removal devices

First of all, what exactly is hyperpigmentation? Contrary to popular belief, hyperpigmentation is a symptom of a skin condition, not a skin condition on its own. Essentially, hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term used to cover a variety of conditions due to which the skin develops darker spots or patches. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors such as acne scarring, medications, or inflammation but the main cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure.

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma; how do they relate? 

As mentioned above, hyperpigmentation is the term used to cover specific conditions such as freckles, liver spots, acne scarring, etc. It can even be caused by various factors such as medications or inflammation, but the most common factor is sun exposure. In relation to this, melasma is also a skin condition that causes hyperpigmentation.

It has been researched and found that women are more likely to experience melasma; almost 90% of everyone who gets melasma are women! This is mainly due to hormonal imbalances which are much more commonly seen in women. When there are elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, melasma can be caused easier. As a result, people who are pregnant can sometimes develop what is coined as “pregnancy mask” because the melasma causes dark spots postpartum.

Another reason why melasma can develop is using active ingredients with no SPF for sun protection. These active ingredients really get the job done, but they can leave the skin extra sensitive and vulnerable. Without this SPF, the skin can become patchy with spots and hyperpigmentation. Add to this a poor diet and maybe even an added predisposition due to heritage, you have yourselves a recipe for disaster. 

The main causes attribute to melasma:

• Imbalances related to hormones (which makes it more common in women)
• People of African American, Middle Eastern, Latin, Asian ethnicities have a higher chanced of developing melasma
• Being a woman
• Exposure to harmful sun rays, saunas, and steam rooms
• Harmful blue light from devices

Hyperpigmentation has become quite common these days, and there are a variety of solutions for how to achieve dark spots removal. One way to treat this skin issue is through the use of topical creams and medical lotions. These topical creams can offer multiple benefits such as hydration as well as color correction, so that your skin can receive more than one benefit. Another method of treatment can be with the help of devices. There are many treatment devices such as skin scrubbers or galvanic tools in the beauty market that work to treat skin conditions like melasma using advances in science and technology.

Products to combat Melasma–Skin Scrubbers and Dark Spots Removal devices

A Project E Beauty tried and tested tool is the Wireless Ultrasonic Skin Care Scrubber. It is an exfoliation spatula that works with high-frequency vibrations to remove blackheads and enhance the skin texture. The high frequency vibration can penetrate your skin up to 3-5 mm depth, which can clean dead skin cells and dirt effectively. Additionally, with its deep cleansing treatment, it can target the melanin in the hyperpigmented dark spots and effectively work as a dark spots removal technique. The skin scrubber is easy to use, a quick 10-minute treatment, and works well with any facial skincare product!

Another one of our favorite tools to combat hyperpigmentation is the Galvanic Facial Lifting Roller. This Galvanic roller is extremely simple yet effective, because of the micro electricity it emits. The micro electricity speeds up the absorption of nutrition molecules that are applied onto our skin, which in turn speeds up how fast the product penetrates into the skin cells. This galvanic roller will provide support so the nutrition inside the lotion will reach even the lower derma of our skin to provide the very important nutrients required for cell growth and regeneration. This improves the blood circulation, speed up metabolism, and reduces and prevents the formation of wrinkles. With consistent use, you will find that your skin will restore its flexibility, luster, and youthfulness!

However, if devices aren’t your thing, you can also use topical treatments to target and combat hyperpigmentation. A good exfoliant can do wonders for your skin if used correctly. Depending on your skin type, use a skin scrubber exfoliator 2-4 times a week to get rid of deposited dirt, pollution, and dead skin cells. People don’t realize that blackheads or clogged pores can cause inflammation so it’s important to introduce a skincare treatment in your routine that allows for cell turnover. By removing dead skin cells, you are also allowing your creams and serums to deeply penetrate the skin. This feature is very important for people with melasma because melasma lives at the Basement Membrane Zone (which is the deepest layer of the skin) so in order for the products to work they need to arrive at the last layer.

What is important to keep in mind is that everyone’s skin has texture, flaws, and imperfections. So, look at skin conditions such as melasma as something that should be managed but not an issue to stress over. Find the products that work for you while embracing your natural skin! 

 

 written by Charlotte Rycroft

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